Your kids’ schools may have instituted anti-bullying campaigns, but that doesn’t mean bullying no longer exists. Here are some free and bargain-priced books for kids that show characters they can relate to using positive, empowering strategies to deal with bullies. Note that prices are subject to change at any time on Amazon, so be sure to snap up these free and bargain books right away.
JULIA JONES And Her Secret Bully (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $2.99) – recommended for girls aged 9-12
Julia is a regular 12 year old girl who loves dancing and being with her friends at school. But that is until Sara Hamilton comes along and then everything changes.
She’s never had to deal with mean girls and bullies before and certainly not someone who tries to humiliate and upset her every chance she gets. Julia feels that she has no one to turn to for help and has to deal with Sara all on her own.
The question is, will she be able to overcome Sara? Or will Sara rule her world?
This book is a real life adventure that is full of suspense and one that will have you constantly wondering what’s going to happen next. It’s a great story that many young girls will be able to relate to as well as be inspired by.
The Odd Squad: Bully Bait (4.5/5 stars, ages 8 and up, currently priced at $3.99) – From Booklist:
Seventh-grade loner Nick Ramsey is so short he fits into his locker, a fact he knows well, thanks to bully Roy. Nick can only confront him surreptitiously by sending taunting texts as mysterious, self-assured “Max.” Guidance counselor Dr. Daniels decides Nick needs to belong to a group and assigns him to safety patrol, along with two other bullied loner misfits, supertall Molly and overweight, geeky Karl.
Soon the none-too-enthused trio, guided by offbeat, philosophical janitor Mr. Dupree, set out to stop bullying. But amidst high jinks and missteps, they discover the meaning of friendship and compassion, and find confidence along the way.
…the first Odd Squad title offers an entertaining take on some familiar themes by blending humor, absurdity, and realism into a supportive message…Nick is an engaging antihero whose issues and dilemmas are sympathetically portrayed. Sundry side characters, including Nick’s quirky grandma, Memaw, further enliven this enjoyable read, which is likely to appeal to Wimpy Kid readers. Grades 4-7.
–Shelle Rosenfeld
Casey and Bella Face Their First Bully (4.5/5 stars, picture book, currently FREE)
After Roscoe steals Casey and Bella’s Frisbee, they embark on their 6th adventure. Along the way, Opee the Owl explains to the dogs what bullying is and how to respond to it in the right way by speaking up and telling an adult you trust.
Throughout their journey, Casey and Bella experience three different types of bullying and apply the advice of Opee the Owl to help out their three new friends. Find out how you can help stop bullying by taking the Casey and Bella Pledge to Stop Bullying and Be Nice to One Another!
Rocky at the Farm (4.5/5 stars, picture book, currently priced at $2.99) – This is a book that can help small kids understand how some bullies get that way: it’s what they were taught. One Amazon reviewer says:
“At the beginning of the story Rocky, the book’s main character, is a dog that guards a warehouse in the city. To terrify uninvited guests his owner taught him to be mean and dangerous dog. When his owner sells the warehouse, Rocky goes on the road alone, without friends and his wandering begins.”
“Rocky ends up in the countryside where he is saved by farmer and gets another chance; however, due to his training he doesn’t know how to be good to other animals.”
Click here to browse more books for kids and teens on the topic of bullying.
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